Ski binding

ABSTRACT

A ski binding adapted to release under predetermined conditions, and wherein the binding will release in a forward fall, or a twisting fall or any combination of the forward fall or twisting fall. The ski binding releases by rotation on or near the ball of the foot, and wherein the contact points of the heel and toe may be on rollers or hinges to reduce friction, and wherein there is provided a turntable for the ski boot. The binding is so constructed that in a forward twisting fall, the heel will release before any pressure is applied between the sole of the boot and the ski at the toe thereof.

United States Patent 1191 1 Allsop 7 1451 Apr. 17,1973

[ SKI BINDING 1 [51 1 Int. Cl ..A63c 9/00 [58] Field of Search ..-..280/ 11.35 T, 11.35 K,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.586.339 2/1952 Hvam ....280/11.35 T 3,572,738 3/1971 Martin..... ....280/11.35 T 3.511.516 5/1970 Smolka.... ....280/11.35 C 3.249365 5/1966 Beyl ....280/11.35 T 3.329.438 7/1967 Lu'ssernn ....2 80/1 1.35 T 3.079.165 2/1963 Bosio .......280/11.35 T 3,476.40] 11/1969 Unger.... ..280/l1.35T 3.145.027 8/1964 Filed:

Appl. No.: 73,893

Inventor: Ivor J. Allsop, Bellingham, Wash. Assignees: Jon I. Allsop; Michael G. Allsop;

James D. Allsop, all of Bellingham, Wash.

Sept. 21, 1970 US. Cl. ..280/l 1.35 T

Berchtold ............280/11.35T

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 2.007.363 1/1970 France ..280/11.35 T

Primary Exq minerBenjamim Hersh Assistant Examiner-Robert R. Song AttorneySherman Levy [57] ABSTRACT A ski binding adapted torelease under predetermined conditions, and wherein thebinding will release in a forward fall, or a twisting fall or any combination of the forward fall or twisting fall. The ski binding releases by rotation on or near the ball of the foot, and wherein the contact points of the heel and toe may be on rollers or hinges to reduce frictiom and wherein there is provided a turntable for the ski boot. The binding is so constructed that in a forward twisting fall, the heel will release before any pressure is applied between .the sole of the boot and the ski at the toe thereof.

-' 2 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTEU mu 7191a SHEET 2 [IF 3 INVENTOR IVOR -J. ALLSOP BY I /6 2 ATTORNEY PATENTED APR 1 H973 SHEET 3 BF 3 FIG. u

FIG. I2

' FIG. 13

V V/ m R Y O E m P m E O 0 w s n 1 A A J. M R v O W m 4 l m W m F 2 8 ]m A 2 RX 8 SKI BINDING This invention relates to ski equipment, and more particularly to safety ski bindings.

An object of the present invention is to provide a ski binding that will eliminate practically all friction in its release, and wherein the ski binding can be reliably ad justed to release under predetermined conditions.

Another object is to provide a ski binding that will release in a forward fall or a twisting fall, or any combination of the two, and the present invention provides an improved safety or release binding for skies.

' Another object is to provide a ski binding that may be utilized efficiently for accomplishing the purposes desired.

The ski binding is rugged in structure and economical to manufacture, and further objects and advantages are to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a device of the character described that is economical to produce, durable in form and conducive to the most economical use of materials and uniformity of members formed therefrom.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent in the subsequent description in the specification. v

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, illustrating the ski binding of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view, taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of a modification illustrating a movable mounting for the device.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 1 1 is a side elevational view illustrating a further modification.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 11. I

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view, taken on the line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 15-15 of FIG. 12.

Referring in detail to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 9 of the drawings, the numeral 20 indicates the ski binding of the present invention, and the numeral 21 indicates a portion of a ski, while the numeral 22 indicates a conventional ski boot of any desired type or construction. The ski boot 22 includes the usual sole 23 that has a toe portion 24 as well as a heel portion 25. As shown in the drawings, there is mounted in the ski 21 a pair of spaced apart internally threaded bushings 26, and the numeral 27 indicates pins that have lower threaded portions 28 arranged in threaded engagement with the bushings 26. Enlargements 29 are provided on the upper ends of the pins 27.

' thereof.

A turntable 38 is pivotally mounted on the stud 34 above a spacer 37, and the turntable 38 has lugs 39 on its outer ends that are adapted to engage the sides of the sole 23 as shown in the drawings. There is also provided a heel release mechanism that is indicated generally by the numeral 40, and the heel release mechanism 40 includes a pair of spaced apart bearings 41 that are suitably affixed to the upper surface of the ski 21. L-shaped pins or rods 42 are each provided with horizontally disposed first portions 43 that are pivotally mounted in the bearings 41, and the pins 42 further include upstanding portions 44 that are arranged at right angles with respect to the portions 43. The numeral 45 indicates a support piece that is suitably affixed to the upper surface of the ski 21, and the support piece 45 is provided with a projection 46 that engages an end of a coil springor spring member 47. Numeral 48 indicates a cross piece that extends between the upper ends of the second portions 44 of the pins 42, and a flange 49 depends from the cross piece 48. Projection 50 is secured to or formed integral with the flange 49, and the projection 50 engages the upper end of the inclined spring member 47, FIG. 6. The numeral 51 indicates each of a pair of jaws or retainers, and the jaws 51 are provided with cutaway portions or cutouts 54 therein, FIG. 5. The numeral 52 indicates a spring member that has its ends connected to the jaws 51 by means of securing elements 53. The jaws 51 are tapered or inclined as at 55, FIG. 6. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the front lower portions of the jaws 51 are chamfered or recessed as at 56 to provide shoulders or flanges for a purpose to be later described. The numeral 57 indicates screw members or stop members that are threadedly connected to jaws 51 for a purpose to be later described.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings, there is illustrated a modified form of the invention for a ski such as the ski 62. In FIGS. 9 and 10 an adjustable base plate 59 is provided that is adjustably or slidably arranged in engagement with diametrically opposed channel members 63 that are secured to the ski 62, and the heel release mechanism 40 is mounted on the adjustable base plate 59 to permit various adjustments to be made as desired or required. A retainer 60 can be manually adjusted when desired, and a spring member 61 serves to exert or maintain desired pressure on the parts, as shown in the drawings. The numeral 64 indicates a keeper for coaction with teeth 65 in a member 66, FIGS. 9 and 10.

As shown in the drawings, the numeral 67 indicates a support member or block that is arranged between the rear portions of the pivotally mounted jaws or wings 51. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper surfaces of the jaws 51 are bevelled or chamfered as at 68, for a purpose to be later described.

Thus, it will be seen that there has been provided a ski binding which is especially characterized by its safety features. In use, with the parts arranged as shown in the drawings, the ski boot, such as the boot 22, is adapted to be arranged in a position such as that shown in FIG. I when the present invention is being used. In the event of a fall, the device is constructed so that injury to the skier will be prevented or minimized. In the arrangement of FIGS. 1 through 8 there is illustrated a generally fixed ski binding 20 that can be initially installed on the ski 21 to accommodate or receive a ski boot 22 of a particular size. In the arrangement of FIGS. 9 and 10, there is illustrated a modification which permits different adjustments, as for example, the device of FIGS. 9 and can be used on rented skis or the like, where it is desired or necessary to adjust the mechanism 58 to accommodate different sizes or boots depending upon the skier.

The parts can be made of any suitable material and in different sizes as desired or required.

The numeral 67 indicates a post or support member that is fixedly secured to the ski 21 in any desired manner. The screw members 57 are arranged in threaded engagement with the jaws 51 so that by rotat ing or adjusting the screw members 57, the elevation or position of the jaws 51 above the ski 21 can be varied or changed as desired, so as to permit the device to fit or accommodate soles 23 of different thicknesses. The retainers or discs 31 above the rollers 30 engage the upper surface of the sole 23 to maintain the boot in its proper position on the ski. The spacer or plate 37 beneath the turntable 38 functions as an anti-friction device to assure that the turntable can pivot or rotate in the desired manner so that, for example, the parts can move back and forth between the dotted or broken lines shown in FIG. 2. The turntable 38 has the upstanding flanges or lugs 39 on its outer ends which engage the intermediate side portions of the boot soles 23.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, the coil spring 61 urges or biases the keeper 64 normally down into the locked position with respect to the teeth or shoulders or cutouts 65, so as to maintain the base plate 59 with the mechanism 40 immobile in its various adjusted positions.

The arrangement of FIGS. 9 and 10 permit adjustment of the base plate 59 with the mechanism 40 thereon when the pin 60 is manually raised to lift up the keeper 64 from the teeth 65 so that the mechanism 40 can be moved towards or away from the fixed rollers 30 whereby ski boots of different lengths or sizes can be conveniently accommodated in the device.

Coil spring 47 is arranged and constructed so that it exerts outward pressure on the cross piece 48, which in turn has a tendency to bias the jaws 51 in a forward or counter-clockwise direction, FIG. 6, about axes extending through the pivot portions 43, and the pivot portions 43 of the pins or shafts 42 are pivotally or swivelly mounted in the horizontally disposed bearings 41. When initially mounting or positioning a boot, such as the boot 22 on the ski, the user first places the ball of the boot or foot down and then positions the toe in position so that the toe of the foot engages the rollers 30, and then a downward force is exerted on the heel, and this downward force of the heel will engage the chamfered portion 68 of the jaws 51, FIG. 7, so that this downward pressure on the chamfered portion 68 causes the jaws 51 to spread apart to permit the heel to come down to the proper lowered portion on the ski. After the sole of the boot has passed downwardly beyond the chamfered portion or shoulder 68, the coil spring 52 will have a tendency to again pull the jaws 51 inwardly toward each other so that the shoulders 56 will snugly engage the upper rear surface of the sole 23 to hold the boot in place.

For release of the boot, when using the ski binding 20 of the present invention, if the skier twists sideways, the fixed post or support member 67 will hold one jaw 51 in position so that the sole of the boot is free to be loosened so that it will not be held on the ski. Also, if the skier has a straight fall forward with no twisting action, safety is assured since the parts such as the coil spring 47 and the coil spring 52 and associated parts will permit pivoting action to take place about axes extending through the horizontal portions 43 so that both jaws will pivot up from the solid line position of FIG. 6 to the dotted line position of FIG. 6. When the parts are moved to the dotted line position, FIG. 6, the heel of the boot will come out in a natural manner or fashion, so that injury to the skier, such as a leg injury, will be prevented. As will be noted, various modifications or changes can be readily provided or utilized. For example, instead of using the flanges 39, serrations, hob nails, pegs, or the like can be used, that will bite into the boot sole for the purpose of helping to maintain the ski boot in its proper position, and thus, such a modified arrangement can be used for helping to maintain the ski boot in place.

In the arrangement of FIGS. 9 and 10, after the parts have been adjusted by manually raising of the key 64 against the spring pressure of the spring 61 thereon, the parts will remain stationary in their adjusted position so that different sizes of boots can be accommodated.

As previously stated, the parts including the jaws 51 can pivot backwards or in a clockwise direction from the solid line position of FIG. 6 to the dotted line position of FIG. 6, about axes extending through the shaft portions 43 so that in the event of a straight fall, the ski boots will be able to separate from the ski bindings to prevent injury to the skier. If there is a twisting or sideways fall, one of the jaws 51 can pivot or move outwardly, as for example, from the solid line position of FIG. 5 to the dotted line position of FIG. 5, so as to permit the ski boot to safely separate from the ski. Tapered portions 55 on the lower portions of the jaws 51 will help assure that the rear portion of the sole of the boot can separate from the device in the event of a fall. If a person falls or twists to one side, the jaw or wing 51 on that side can pivot outwardly away from the other jaw, due to the provision of the support member or post 67, so that the boot cannot stay in the device, and hence the ski boot will safely come loose from the ski binding on such a twisting fall. In the event that the skier falls straight forward with no twsiting action, both jaws 51 will tilt up from the solid line position to the dotted line position of FIG. 6 against the heavier spring 47 which has a stronger force than the spring 52, so that the ski boot can come loose in the event of such a straight forward fall.

In addition, the present invention is useful during ski instruction, because most people learning to ski have a tendency to twist the skis with their foot, and if this occurs, the ski boots will come off of the skis safely and properly. It will, therefore, be seen that there has been provided a safety ski binding that will help prevent leg fractures, knee and ankle sprains, and the like, so that when a certain force is brought to bear on the binding, the foot or boot will be freed from the ski. Thus, there is provided an improved safety or release binding for skis. One of the major shortcomings of prior types of release bindings is that in a twisting motion, there is only a release at the toe, and in a forward fall, the friction between the boot and the ski plays a larger part in the release of the toe than the actual setting of the binding itself. The present invention covers any binding that releases in a twist at the heel, since practically all falls where a leg is broken or sprained are in the forward fall because the knee hinges back-ward and releases any pressure in a backward fall. Since in a forward fall there is no down pressure on the heel, a system similar to present day step-in bindings with a forward pressure and downward pressure exerted on rollers is developed that will release by permitting the heel or heel and toe to twist out with practically no friction involves.

The ski binding of the present invention will eliminate practically all elements of friction involved in its release, and thus can be reliably adjusted to release under predetermined conditions. The binding is arranged or constructed so that it will release in a forward fall, or a twisting fall, or any combination of the two, and some of the important features of the binding are as follows. It releases by twisting at the ball of the foot which is on a turntable 38 that is arranged and con structed so that friction is minimized. The contact points of the heel and toe may engage with rollers to further reduce friction. The turntable 38 at the ball of the foot may have lugs 39 that extend upwardly along the sides of the boot sole to help keep the boot on the ski and thus reduce the amount of pressure required at the heel and the toe to keep the boot on the ski. Instead of using the lugs or retainers 39, pegs or hob nails or serrations or the like can be provided on the swivelling plate or turntable 38 or any other mechanical device can be used to keep the boot from sliding sideways off the ski. In normal or correct skiing, there is very little or no twisting force applied to the boot by the skier, and the torque required to release the ski will be reduced considerably so as to increase the safety factor of the binding. Also, the binding of the present invention is arranged and constructed so that in a forward twisting fall, the heel will release before any pressure is applied between the sole of the boot and the ski at the toe.

The binding of the present invention completely eliminates these hazards, including the spade man toeless binding.

In most existing types of bindings, the torque is such that the boot will only normally release in a forward motion, and all of the release comes from the toe and requires the toe to move sideways across the ski, and due to the friction between the toe and the ski, prior types of ski bindings will not permit the toe to move sideways until it is too late. The binding of the present invention will release at the heel and the toe by pivoting at the ball of the foot, and the binding is so constructed that there will be a minimum amount of restraint at the toe and the heel to permit sideways release easily. Also, when twisting action occurs, the ski binding of the present invention will release even though, for example, it is in a forward position. An important aspect of the present invention is the turntable which assures that there will be pivoting on the ball of the foot so that the maximum safety is assured. Friction is practically eliminated. In skiing, all motion is forward, so that any fall that occurs is such that with the present invention the heel is unweighted so as to release or completely relieve the mechanism of any friction in the area of the heel. The ski binding of the present invention is advantageous when making turns and the like, since in the event of a fall, the heel is free to turn out or twist out. Rollers such as the rollers 30 help reduce friction between the toe of the boot and the-ski. Since the ski boot is held on to the ski at the bottom of the foot, the amount of pressure required to keep a person on the ski is reduced and the user has a much more secure feeling knowing that he or she is positively locked on the ski.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 15 of the drawings, the numeral indicates a modified or alter native type of ski binding that includes a heel release mechanism 40 similar to the previously described heel release mechanism. The device of FIGS. 11 through 15 further includes a swivel means 71 for the ball of the foot, and there is further provided a releasible toe en gaging mechanism 72.

As shown in the drawings, the swivel means 71 includes a stud or pin 73 that has a lower threaded portion 84 that is arranged in threaded engagement with a fitting or bushing 74 that is suitably mounted on the ski 21. The stud 73 includes an enlarged head 75 on its upper end that is adapted to be snugly received in a recess 76 that is suitably formed in the sole 23 of the boot 22.

The releasible toe engaging mechanism 72 includes a pair of pivotally mounted jaws or clamps 77 that have a coil spring 78 connected thereto by means of securing elements 79, FIG. 12. The jaws 77 may be provided with cutaway portions 80 for receiving'the ends of the coil spring 78. The numeral 81 indicates a block or post that has its lower end suitably secured to or formed integral with the ski 21, and the pair of jaws 77 are arranged on opposite sides of the post or block 81. Pivot pins 82 extend through the front portion of the jaws 77 and are connected to the ski 21, and flanges 83 on the upper portion of the block 81 may have the upper ends of the pins 82 arranged in engagement therewith. The lower end portion of the jaws 77 may be recessed as at 85 to provide shoulders for engaging the upper surface of the toe portion of the sole of the ski boot 22.

It will, therefore, be seen that as shown in FIGS. 11 through 15 that a modified ski binding has been provided which can include the releasible heel mechanism 40, the swivel means 71 for the ball of the ski boot, and the releasible toe mechanism 72. In the arrangement of FIGS. 11 through 15, the swivel mechanism 71 includes the pin 73 that has the head 75 on its upper end that is snugly received in the recess 76 that is formed or provided in the sole 23 of the ski boot 22. The swivel mechanism 71 is adapted to be used in lieu of or instead of the parts such as the flanges 39 shown in FIGS. 1 through 9.

In addition, in FIGS. 11 through 15, the toe release mechanism 72 is adapted to be used instead of the previously described rollers 30 and associated parts. The toe release mechanism 72 is constructed so that in the event of a fall or twisting action, one of the jaws 77 can pivot outwardly away from the other jaw 77 due to the provision of the spring 78, so that the toe portion or front portion of the ski boot can safely come out of the ski binding.

When initially positioning the ski boot in the binding of FIGS. 11 through 15, it is only necessary to initially position the toe of the ski boot into engagement with the mechanism 72 so that the shoulders 85 engage the sole of the boot, and then by exerting downward pressure on the boot or ski boot, the head 75 will be received in the recess 76, and by further pressing downward on the rear of the ski boot, the jaws 51 of the heel release mechanism 40 will spread apart until the parts are in the position shown in FIG. 11, whereby the springs such as the springs 52 and 47 will maintain the ski boot in its proper position on the ski.

As shown in the drawings, either the clips 39 shown in FIGS. 1 through 9 or the peg 73 in the center of the shoe can be used and either one will suffice for the purpose, When using the center peg 73 it is not necessary to have a plate turn on the ski because in this instance there is no problem of returning the mechanism back to center after it comes out. Thus, the present invention includes all of these systems of stablizing the shoe on the ski from lateral movements.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 11 through 15, there is illustrated a toe release mechanism 72 that is somewhat similar to the heel release mechanism 40, except that it is slightly wider and stabilized in one plane since it does not have a hinge backwards.

It will now be clear that there is provided a device which accomplishes the objectives heretofore set forth. While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred form, it is to be understood that the specific embodiment thereof as described and illustrated herein is not to be considered in a limited sense as there may be other forms or modifications of the invention which should also be construed to come within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a ski binding, a releasable heel engaging means, a releasable toe engaging means, and swivel means for the ball of the foot, said toe engaging means comprising a post fixed to the ski, a pair of pivotally mounted jaws arranged on opposite sides of the post, spring means operatively connecting said jaws, pivot pins mounted in the ski and having said jaws pivotally connected thereto, said jaws having upper flanged portions arranged above the jaws, and end portions of said jaws being recessed to provide shoulders for engaging the toe portion of the sole of the ski boot; said heel engaging means comprising a pair of spaced apart bearings forming a pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of said ski, L-shaped pins having horizontally disposed first portions pivotally mounted in said bearings, a support piece mounted on the rear of the ski, an inclined coil spring having its lower end engaging said support piece, a cross piece extending between the upprr ends of the upstanding second portions of the L-shaped pins,

and said cross piece havin a flange. defpending therefrom which is engaged by e upper end 0 the COI spring, a pair of jaws mounted for movement toward and away from sach other, and said jaws having their rear portions pivotally connected to the upstanding portions of the L-shaped pins, said jaws having chamfered inclined upper surfaces, and said jaws having also shouldered portions adjacent the front ends thereof, a spring member connecting said pair of jaws together, and screw members adjustably connected to said jaws.

2, In a ski binding, a releasable heel engaging means, a releasable toe engaging means, and swivel means for the ball of the foot, said releasable heel engaging means comprising a pair of spaced apart bearings forming a pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of said ski, L-shaped pins having horizontally disposed first portions pivotally mounted in said bearings, a support piece mounted on the rear of the ski, an inclined coil spring having its lower end engaging said support piece, a cross piece extending between the upper ends of the upstanding second portions of the L-shaped pins, and said cross piece having a flange depending therefrom which is engaged by the upper end of the coil spring, a pair of jaws mounted for movement toward and away from each other, and said jaws having their rear portions pivotally connected to the upstanding portions of the L-shaped pins, said jaws having chamfered inclined upper surfaces, and said jaws having also shouldered portions adjacent the front ends thereof, a spring member connecting said pair of jaws together, and screw members adjustably connected to said jaws. 

1. In a ski binding, a releasable heel engaging means, a releasable toe engaging means, and swivel means for the ball of the foot, said toe engaging means comPrising a post fixed to the ski, a pair of pivotally mounted jaws arranged on opposite sides of the post, spring means operatively connecting said jaws, pivot pins mounted in the ski and having said jaws pivotally connected thereto, said jaws having upper flanged portions arranged above the jaws, and end portions of said jaws being recessed to provide shoulders for engaging the toe portion of the sole of the ski boot; said heel engaging means comprising a pair of spaced apart bearings forming a pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of said ski, L-shaped pins having horizontally disposed first portions pivotally mounted in said bearings, a support piece mounted on the rear of the ski, an inclined coil spring having its lower end engaging said support piece, a cross piece extending between the upprr ends of the upstanding second portions of the L-shaped pins, and said cross piece having a flange depending therefrom which is engaged by the upper end of the coil spring, a pair of jaws mounted for movement toward and away from sach other, and said jaws having their rear portions pivotally connected to the upstanding portions of the L-shaped pins, said jaws having chamfered inclined upper surfaces, and said jaws having also shouldered portions adjacent the front ends thereof, a spring member connecting said pair of jaws together, and screw members adjustably connected to said jaws.
 2. In a ski binding, a releasable heel engaging means, a releasable toe engaging means, and swivel means for the ball of the foot, said releasable heel engaging means comprising a pair of spaced apart bearings forming a pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of said ski, L-shaped pins having horizontally disposed first portions pivotally mounted in said bearings, a support piece mounted on the rear of the ski, an inclined coil spring having its lower end engaging said support piece, a cross piece extending between the upper ends of the upstanding second portions of the L-shaped pins, and said cross piece having a flange depending therefrom which is engaged by the upper end of the coil spring, a pair of jaws mounted for movement toward and away from each other, and said jaws having their rear portions pivotally connected to the upstanding portions of the L-shaped pins, said jaws having chamfered inclined upper surfaces, and said jaws having also shouldered portions adjacent the front ends thereof, a spring member connecting said pair of jaws together, and screw members adjustably connected to said jaws. 